How Do You Get Yeast Infection?

Fungal infection is a common occurrence especially in terms of sexually transmitted infections. A sexually transmitted infection is commonly acquired through sexual contact, in all forms, with an infected individual. Of all fungal infections common in the STI parlance, yeast infection is a stand-out condition.

Yeast infection affects both genders but it is more commonly occurring among women, in their sexually active years, that is during early adulthood. Yeast infection is commonly caused by the fungus called Candida Albicans and other types of bacteria, too. This is the reason why yeast infection is medically termed as candidiasis or oftentimes moniliasis. Although it is true that Candida is present in the urinary tract in small amounts—it can grow exponentially and can be a cause of concern.

How do you get yeast infection? Here are the top causes of this condition:

Sexual Intercourse. Needless to say, yeast infection is caused by sexual intercourse with an infected person. The transfer of bodily fluids like semen, vaginal secretions and even saliva can pose a high risk in contracting a yeast infection. Thus, getting yourself protected during sexual intercourse is a must, most especially if you have multiple sexual partners.

Lowered Immune System- as mentioned earlier, candida is present in our body. Albeit a resident flora, it is only tolerable in small amounts. One reason why it multiplies exponentially is through our immune system. A normal immune system controls the growth and infestation of bacteria in our body, thus, when it tips down, certain infections will take the opportunity to progress and persist further into our system. One of those opportunistic infection is yeast infection.

Overusage of Antibiotics. You know the reason why antibiotics are prescribed for a short period of time, commonly only for one week? The reason for this is drug resistance. When a certain drug fails to cure an infection, it should not be used further for more than seven days because the organism causing infection may develop resistance. The same is true with candidiasis. As such, if you are a prone taker of antibiotics, this is the answer to the question “how do you get yeast infection”.

Diabetes Mellitus or Hyperglycemia. Yeast’s favorite food is sugar—and what other disease is known for a high blood sugar level but Diabetes Mellitus and frequent episodes of hyperglycemia? Glucose is the number one food not only of fungi but also other bacteria. This is one reason why plates used in the laboratory for breeding bacterial plates contain glucose and sugar. Therefore, controlling your sugar level is crucial. If it goes uncontrolled, focusing on practicing proper hygiene is best.

Hormonal Changes. In each month, a woman normally experiences a normal fluctuation of hormones like estrogen and progesterone. This occurrence actually potentiates the development of yeast infections. Apart from that, using birth control pills (COC) and even pregnancy predispose a woman in having yeast infection. As such, preventive measures need to be undertaken—that is through proper hygiene, nothing less.